At Blaze Credit Union Foundation, we envision a future where every individual in the communities we serve has access to resources and opportunities they need as they blaze their financial road of life. Our foundation is dedicated to empowering students, educators, and the communities we serve by providing scholarships, teacher grants, community impact initiatives, and programs that enhance, and provide financial well-being.
Blaze Credit Union - Teacher Grant 2026
Introduction
The Blaze Credit Union Foundation Teacher Grant Program supports Minnesota K–12 educators who are creating classroom projects that strengthen students’ financial well-being and life skills. The program awards grants of $500 to $2,500 for eligible classroom projects at accredited public, private, or charter schools in Minnesota when those projects are underfunded or not funded by the school district. This year, the Foundation will award grants totaling up to $50,000.
Grant funds are paid directly to the school or school district on behalf of the awarded project and must be used for approved classroom-based educational initiatives. Funds may not be paid to individual teachers, and applicants must include a detailed project budget with their application.
Recipients must complete a three-month progress report through their Kaleidoscope account, including updates, photos, and testimonials that show how the project was implemented and how students benefited.
Questions about the Teacher Grant Program should be directed to:
Tina Jones, AVP Financial Empowerment / Blaze Credit Union Foundation Vice Chair
[email protected] | 651-789-3061
Description
Blaze Credit Union Foundation Teacher Grants are available for accredited public, private or charter Minnesota K-12 teachers for projects that are not funded or underfunded by the school district. These grants aim to support initiatives that enhance financial well-being or life skill development for students in the classroom.
Apply now to make a positive impact on your students' futures!
Qualifications
Grant applications are open August 10, 2026 - October 3, 2026
Accredited state of Minnesota K-12 Teacher
Project must support financial well-being or life skill development.
Award amounts are $500-$2500.
Grants will be awarded to K–12 public, private, or charter schools within the state of Minnesota. Grant funding must be used for in-classroom programs and projects.
Nonprofits, after-school programs, and sports programming are not eligible for grant funding.
Selection Process
Details of Selection Criteria:
Applications will be scored based on criteria such as innovation, impact, and alignment with financial well-being goals.
Projects must be underfunded or not funded by the school district. Any K–12 teacher who works for an accredited public, private, or charter school within the state of Minnesota is eligible to apply.
Value: $500 to $2,500
Review Process:
Kaleidoscope will review and score all applications based on the project details and weighted information from the application. The Blaze Scholarship Committee and Blaze Foundation Board of Directors will provide the final review.
Publicity & Recognition:
Blaze Credit Union Foundation may feature awarded projects on its website or social channels.
FAQ's
Can multiple teachers from the same school apply? Yes
Who is eligible to apply? Any K-12 grade level or accredited public, private or charter school within the state of Minnesota is eligible to apply.
Can multiple teachers from the same school apply? Yes
Are repeat applicants eligible? Yes
What expenses are covered or not covered? Grant does not support gift cards, cash incentives, or salaries. All funds are directly sent to school or school district.
Are recipients required to submit a follow-up report, photos, or testimonials? Yes, we love to share your stories.